Utah County commissioners designate budget officer, sparking staff and public objections

Utah County commissioners voted to designate the county budget officer and appoint budget manager Rudy Livingston, a move supporters said is needed to give the commission direct access to budget information as it pursues property-tax reductions.

Commissioner Sakovich, who introduced the two resolutions, said the change is meant to align county practice with Utah Code and speed commission access to budgeting data. "We need the information," he said, arguing that direct budget oversight would help the commission forecast revenue and pursue tax relief.

The measure prompted immediate pushback from county officials and members of the public who said staff were blindsided and the change undermines long-standing checks and balances. County Clerk‑Auditor Amelia Powers Gardner, who also said she is a candidate for the vacant commission seat, told the board, "The best disinfectant is sunshine," and criticized the timing and lack of consultation.

Rudy Livingston, the county’s budget manager and the appointee named in the resolution, said he was honored but opposed the "erosion of the separation of powers" and said he and his team were not consulted before the agenda item was posted. Chief deputy Josh Daniels and other finance staff told commissioners the change was hasty and warned that separating budget preparation from auditing functions raises governance and fraud‑risk concerns cited by the Government Finance Officers Association.

Residents who spoke during public comment echoed those concerns, asking why the measure was presented on short notice and urging the board to delay action until there had been broader discussion. Jack Davis, a longtime resident, asked the commissioners to explain the specific grievance with the clerk‑auditor’s office that made the change urgent.

Commissioners defended the timing as necessary to move quickly on a priority to reduce the county’s tax burden and to obtain the detailed forecasting information they said is required for policy decisions. After debate, Commissioner Sakovich moved to approve items 27 and 28, Commissioner Lee seconded, and the commission voted 2‑0 to adopt the resolutions and appoint Livingston.

The action transfers the formal budget‑officer role to the commission’s designated officer; commissioners and staff said the implementation details and reporting relationships will be clarified as the office assumes assignments. The change can affect how budget preparation and oversight are coordinated going forward; staff and the public asked for clearer communication and a collaborative transition plan.

The commission adjourned after completing the agenda; the appointment will take effect per county procedure and any follow‑up administrative steps will be conducted by county staff.